Erica Synths Fusion Series - User Manual

ERICA FUSION VCO
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AUDIO IN 1V/OCTSUBMIX CV FM IN WAVE CV VCO OUT MIX OUT
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FUSION VCO
THANK YOU FOR ORDERING
ERICA FUSION VCO MODULE!
The Erica Synths Fusion series modules
are designed combining vacuum
tubes and semiconductors therefore
they bring warm, powerful sound and
overdrive possibilities of vacuum tubes
into your modular system. Erica Fusion
series consist of range of modules
used in sound shaping circuit – VCO,
Mixer, real Ringmodulator using
audio transformers and germanium
diode ring, VCF, VCA and Analogue
Delay/Chorus.
Conventional wisdom says that
vacuum tubes have nonlinear
characteristics, and therefore VCOs
based on vacuum tubes need special
tuning for each note.
Erica Synths Fusion VCO is special
kind of VCO – it fuses good tuning
of digital VCO with warm, unique
sound of vacuum tubes that work in
suboscillator circuit. The module has to
vacuum tube based suboscillators: -1
and -2 octaves with plenty of mixing
opportunities for amazing sonic results.
If you wish to go really low frequencies
and have a sound that sets your
modular system apart from mass –
this is exactly module, you need!
FEATURES:
3 basic waveforms with VC morphing
Good 1V/oct tuning
Vacuum tube based suboscillators -1 and -2 oct
Manually and CV controlled -1/-2 oct mixing
Adjustable suboscillator waveshape
Dry/Wet (VCO/suboscillators) mixing
Passive Lowpass filter for extreme subbass sound
Audio input
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Audio input level: .....................................................................................................up to 20V ptp
VCO range: ......................................................................................................................... C1 – C8
Max Output level: ...............................................................................................................10V ptp
Panel width: ............................................................................................................................24HP
Module depth: ..................................................................................................................... 35mm
Power supply: ................. bipolar +-12V , eurorack standard and/or Erica Synths 6VAC PSU
Power consumption:
Tube heater PSU configuration: ..........................60mA@+12V, 30mA@-12V, 300mA@6VAC
Eurorack PSU configuration: ..........................................................215mA@+12V, 185mA@-12V
(NB – start-up power consumption for few seconds is +-250mA)
Choose one of principal
waveforms of VCO
Set the VCO frequency
manually
Dry/Wet potentiometer
provides smooth mix between
pure VCO and pure tube
suboscillator sound
Use COLOUR potentiometer
to filter o higher harmonics
for extreme bass sound and
almost pure sine waveform
on the output. Full CCW
setting works best at really
low frequencies –
C1 and below
Adjust -1 octave
suboscillator waverofm from
more harmonic rich CW to
almost sine CCW
Adjust a mix between
-1 octave and -2 octaves
suboscillators
Connect 1V/oct
signal to control
VCO frequency
Apply CV to fade
between -1oct
and -2oct mix
Patch
FM CV
here
Apply wave
morphing CV here.
It will be added
to waveshape
potentiometer
setting
This is dry VCO
output, no
suboscillator is
added
This is master output. Get
that fat tube sound here
Adjust -2 octave
suboscillator waverofm from
more harmonic rich CW to
almost sine CCW
Use waveshape
potentiometer to
morph/adjust waveforms.
12 ‘o’clock setting gives
you waveform, selected
by the switch, and then
morphing is applied:
• Sine morphs from
logarythmic wave to
overdriven sine
• Triangle morphs from
ramp to sawtooth
• Pule has adjustable PW –
from 5% to 95%
Patch external VCO (simple
waveforms will work best)
to route it to suboscillator
circuit. Internal VCO will be
automatically disconnected
Adjust FM level with this
potentiometer

Summary

Erica Synths Fusion VCO Module Introduction

Erica Fusion VCO Module Overview

Introduction to the Erica Synths Fusion VCO module, highlighting its unique blend of vacuum tubes and semiconductors for warm sound.

Key Features of the Fusion VCO

Lists core features including basic waveforms, VC morphing, suboscillators, and passive lowpass filter.

Vacuum Tube VCO Tuning Characteristics

Discusses the nonlinear characteristics of vacuum tube VCOs and the special tuning considerations for each note.

Waveshape Morphing Control

Explains how the waveshape potentiometer morphs waveforms between logarithmic, ramp, and sawtooth shapes.

Dry;Wet Mix Control

Details the Dry/Wet potentiometer for smooth mixing between the pure VCO and tube suboscillator sounds.

-1 Octave Suboscillator Waveform Adjustment

Explains adjusting the -1 octave suboscillator waveform from harmonic-rich to sine.

Suboscillator Mix Control

Describes adjusting the mix between the -1 octave and -2 octave suboscillators for sonic results.

-2 Octave Suboscillator Waveform Adjustment

Explains adjusting the -2 octave suboscillator waveform from harmonic-rich to sine.

External VCO Patching

Details patching an external VCO to the suboscillator circuit, which disconnects the internal VCO.

Manual VCO Frequency Setting

Explains how to manually set the VCO frequency using the main potentiometer.

FM Level Adjustment

Details adjusting the FM level with a dedicated potentiometer for frequency modulation.

Colour Potentiometer for Filtering

Explains using the Colour potentiometer to filter higher harmonics for bass sounds or pure sine output.

Submix CV Control

Describes applying CV to fade between the -1 oct and -2 oct suboscillator mix.

1 V;Oct Control Input

Explains connecting the 1V/oct signal to control the VCO frequency.

Waveshape Morphing CV Input

Details applying CV to the waveshape potentiometer setting for morphing effects.

Master Output (MIX OUT)

Describes the MIX OUT as the master output providing the fat tube sound.

Dry VCO Output

Describes the dry VCO output, which does not include the suboscillator.

Technical Specifications

Lists technical details including audio input, VCO range, output levels, panel width, depth, power supply, and consumption.

Power Supply Configuration Options

PSU Configuration Overview

Explains two PSU configuration options for Erica Fusion modules: 6VAC Tube heater PSU or standard +-12V Eurorack PSU.

6 VAC Tube Heater PSU Configuration

Details power consumption and requirements for using the 6VAC Erica Tube heater PSU with Fusion modules.

+-12 V Eurorack PSU Configuration

Explains configuring the module for standard +-12V Eurorack PSU and its power consumption.

VCO Calibration Procedure

Step-by-step guide to perform manual calibration for the 1V/oct input using a precise 5.000V CV source.

Jumpers for +-12 V Operation

Instructions for installing jumpers on the Fusion PSU connector for +-12V Eurorack PSU operation.

Jumpers for 6 VAC Operation

Instructions for installing jumpers on the Fusion PSU connector for 6VAC Erica Fusion PSU operation.

Erica Fusion 6 VAC PSU Installation

PSU Installation Safety Warning

Advises installation by experienced personnel and ensuring the modular system is powered off before PSU installation.

Connecting PSU to System Ground

Instruction to connect the PSU's ground lug to the system's GND.

Connecting Tube Heaters

Guide to use ribbon cables to connect tube heaters to the PSU.

Configuring PSU Voltage

Instructions on using jumpers to configure the PSU for the correct country voltage.

Connecting PSU to Modular Case

Guidance on using supplied cables to connect the module to the 220/110V socket inside the modular case.

PSU Wiring and Configuration

Mounting the PSU

Use of spacers and screws to fix the Erica Fusion PSU kit next to the Eurorack power supply unit.

Disconnecting Eurorack PSU Wires

Instruction to disconnect 220/110V wires from the existing Eurorack PSU.

Connecting to Erica Fusion PSU

Connect 220/110V wires to the relevant lugs of the Erica Fusion PSU.

Final PSU Connections and Congratulations

Reconnecting Eurorack PSU

Use supplied wires with the Erica Fusion PSU kit to connect the Eurorack PSU back.

Connecting PSU 6 VAC Output to Ground

Connect one side of Erica Fusion PSU 6VAC output to the GND of your modular system for optimal sound quality.

Installation Completion

Confirmation of successful installation of Erica Fusion 6VAC PSU and readiness to use modules.

Safety and Disposal Information

Module Usage and Warranty

Emphasizes following instructions for proper operation and warranty from Erica Synths.

Environmental Precautions

Warns against water exposure, humid environments, and liquids getting into the module.

Temperature and Handling

Advises against exposing the module to extreme temperatures and handling with care to prevent damage.

Shipping and Returns

Specifies that modules must be shipped in original packaging for returns, exchanges, or warranty repairs.

Warranty Terms and Contact

Provides a link for warranty terms and contact email for questions or support.

Product Compliance and Disposal

States compliance with EU RoHS guidelines and recommends special waste disposal, not household waste.

Design and Usage Rights

Notes design origin, manual authorship, and prohibits copying or commercial use without written permission.

Erica Synths Fusion Series Specifications